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As with our reading of the Bhagavad Gita, these study questions are meant to aid your understanding of the text, not extend your reading time significantly. However, you should choose one question from each chapter and write a response for class.
The Brahmin’s Son
1. Why is Siddhartha dissatisfied?
2. Why is asceticism attractive to Siddhartha?
3. Discuss Govinda’s role as a foil to Siddhartha.
4. Discuss gender roles in this chapter (note: no women are present).
With the Samanas
1. Discuss this quote: “What I have learned so far from the Samanas, I could have learned more quickly and easily at every inn in a prostitute’s quarter, amongst the carriers and dice players.” (16)
2. Why does Gotama, the Buddha, appeal to Siddhartha?
3. Discuss this quote: “I have no desire to walk on water. Let the old Samanas satisfy themselves with such arts.” (24)
4. At the end of both Chapters 1 and 2, Siddhartha takes a leave—compare these two situations. How does Siddhartha manipulate the situation to achieve his goals? Does the listener truly capitulate?
5. Why is severe asceticism not an answer for Siddhartha?
Gotama
1. What is the significance of saying that Gotama’s features are “perfect”? (28)
2. Discuss this quote: “[Gotama] has robbed me, yet he has given me something of greater value.” (36)
3. In the end, why doesn’t Siddhartha follow the Buddha? Does this fact suggest that the Buddha’s teachings are wrong?
4. What is the relationship between knowledge and spirituality?
Awakening
1. Define the “Self” as used on page 38.
2. Discuss this quote: “Meaning and reality were not hidden somewhere behind
things, they were in them, in all of them.” (40)
3. What is the “awakening” or realization in this chapter?
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